Preston man remains in a critical condition as Lancashire Police appeal for witnesses

The victim, a man in his 20s, suffered head injuries and was found near the Harris Museum in the early hours of Friday morning (August 12).

Detectives believe he was assaulted by two men at the junction of Harris Street and Birley Street at around 2.45am. Shortly afterwards, he was helped by a number of people who gave him first aid and called an ambulance.

He was taken to Royal Preston Hospital where he remains in a critical condition.

Police say they need to speak to anybody who saw any of the three men described below in the city centre in the early hours of Friday morning.

- White male, approximately 5ft 9ins tall in his late 20s. He was wearing a grey Under Armour baseball cap, grey shirt with black stripes and black patterned shorts

- White male, short, of a slim build, with blonde hair. He was wearing a lime green top and shorts.

- White male, approximately 6ft 1ins tall, in his early 20s, with dark hair. He was wearing a black and white check shirt over a black t-shirt, dark trousers and black trainers.

Detectives urge witnesses to come forward

DI Bryony Midgley, from the Force Major Investigation Team: “This incident has left a young man with serious injuries and my thoughts are with his loved ones at this time.

“Whilst the enquiries are progressing, we are keen to speak to anyone that witnessed the incident or saw any of the men described above.

"Whatever information they have – how matter how minor they think it is - may be key to the investigation.

“We know a number of people were present in the area at the time, many of whom provided assistance and first aid.

"If you have not come forward to speak to police yet, I would urge you to do so as soon as possible.

“Similarly, I would ask anybody with footage from the area which could assist our enquiries to make contact with the police.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting log 0161 of August 12. Alternatively contact independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers.org.